New SU portfolio created: Gender non-violence coordinator appointed

Thembelile Bongwana has been appointed as the Equality Unit’s (EqU) new gender nonviolence coordinator.

The Stellenbosch University (SU) #EndRapeCulture Report in 2017 recommended a gender non-violence response be set up, which led to the creation of the newly established portfolio that Bongwana is now heading.

The EqU, headed by Jaco Greeff Brink, proposed the formation of this new portfolio to address important challenges and issues raised in the report.

According to Brink, Bangwana brings a strong combination of professional and academic knowledge on gender-related matters.

“We are excited to have her in our team to work towards a gender violence-free campus,” said Brink.

The Equality Unit is located within the Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD) which forms a part of the Division of Student Affairs (DSA).

“All three of these mentioned pillars have a mission and vision which frames the work they do. I equally believe in contributing towards upholding these already founded and operating guiding principles,” Bangwana said. “My duty would entail working alongside, upholding and maintaining the core tenets of the EqU.”

The portfolio’s primary responsibility is to develop a efficient institutional response to gender violence and rape culture at SU.

“In this regard my job would be to set up an institutional gender-based violence response that would centre around the promotion of collective action towards social justice in all issues pertaining to abuse, disability, discrimination, exclusion, gender based violence, hetero-normativity, homophobia, inequality, patriarchy, injustice, racism, sexism, stereotyping to mention but a few,” Bangwana explained.

Bangwana believes that a change on campus would mean a change in attitudes, and also in the behaviour and thinking of all staff and students.

“This would then be followed by a string of rigorous trainings, workshops, facilitations, awarenessraising campaigns to name but a few. Subsequently, it would require commitment and willingness to transform into positive change agents in society.”

Bangwana is originally from East London and has had various professional and academic experiences regarding gender matters.

She started her career in 2009 as an Intern at the Transkei Land Service Organisation, and later worked as a Social Policy Officer at Federation of Unions of South Africa in 2014. From 2015 to 2016 Bangwana worked as a third year tutor for Gender and Development module at the University of the Western Cape (UWC).

Currently she is a registered doctoral degree candidate in Gender Studies at UWC. Her research includes studies
about masculinities, gender and development, gendered power dynamics, public eating spaces, social identities, transformation, sexuality and gender violence.

Thembelihle can by contacted at tbongwana@sun.ac.za or at 021 808 3136.

Photo: Wianda Gilliland

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GVB Protest Opinions

Paballo Thabethe

“I feel so strongly this. Because I personally come from a background where my mom was abused, all of this triggers a lot of emotions. I feel so strongly about this topic, and about asking Stellenbosch to stand up, because Stellenbosch was usually a university that barricaded such issues. I feel like the fact that we are out here, speaking about it, is a step in the right direction.”

Leo Figueira

“For me, it was very apparent that there were not a lot of men, and specifically white men, at this rally. That is the main thing that, as a white man, stood out for me. The lack of concern on the faces of the management was also very clear. The general anger, fear, frustration and anxiety was very apparent, and I think it came out in a way that it needed to come out. This will hopefully resonate with the rest of the community.”

Elode Duvenhage

“I feel like the management, at times, was not listening or engaging. There was no understanding. In a way I do understand that it is horrible to be screamed at by students and then having to respond, but just trying to show a little more sympathy would have been nicer. Another question is: how come they are only listening to us now? This started years ago, and these issues shouldn’t be dealt with now, on the last day of the third term. Also, and many people brought this up, this is a situation where students must choose between human rights or marks. It is not fair to place that on students who want both.”

Kaiser Aryee

“I was initially playing devil’s advocate, because I thought that this is an educational institution, and if there is no major obstruction, we should continue as normal. But as I got here and the officials addressed us, I felt that there was a sense of apathy – I don’t think they are on the ground enough with students, and that is what they get paid for. I can’t play devil’s advocate as much as I previously could. Our officials can definitely do more for us. We need more engagement with students. I am sick of emails – it is the most impersonal way to address people. I feel like, as a leader, you should be able to use your critical thinking skills, which you should have if you are in that position, to think up solutions – you can’t just go in circles when people are dissatisfied.”

Mieke Verster

“Administratively, the students are more prepared than the management. This is not right, because obviously it is our jobs at university to study, to learn and gain knowledge, and it is theirs to look after us. And I can understand the frustration of students – but of course, it is also frustrating when the crowd starts to talk in circles. I think we need to channel that energy into finding solutions – not because it is our job as students, but because, clearly it is not happening.”

Anon.

“I feel like the management should have supported us more – like, for example, by organising transport to protests. I also think that residence heads should have been here today. I feel like they are making it a you-problem. They could also have given better options for people missing assessments to go to the protests. I am from the biggest female residence, and I can tell you now that only a small fraction of us are present today.”